Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

When you think of superheroes who comes to mind? Superman? Batman? Are you ready for a different kind of hero? One that’s, say, real and vulnerable and human? Oh, yeah, and a woman?! If so, take a look a round. Every day, women are starting and leading impressive companies with herculean capacity. With nearly four in ten new businesses started by women this year alone, nearly 5.5 million jobs will be created, contributing billions of dollars in revenue to the economy.

Publicis Seattle Hosted The Women Who Rock Event

Seattle is on the front-lines of this trend earning national recognition as one of the top three cities in the U.S. for women striking out on their own. It is a safe bet to assume the next major brand(s) coming out of Seattle will be the brainchild of one of the region’s rising women CEO’s.

Recently, Publicis Seattle convened a powerhouse panel of Seattle’s own business superstars including Julep’s Jane Park, Dry Soda Company’s Sharelle Klause, Starbucks’ Ann Fressard, VP of Global Tea; Expedia’s Sarah Gavin, Sr. VP of Integrated Marketing; and Melody Biringer, Founder of Crave. With humor, heart and wisdom, these women dished up life, career, and start-up advice. Letting their guard down, they shared insights into the tough places that had them curled up in the fetal position and when they knew they were destined for big-deal-ness.

Power, according to these women, comes from knowing who you are at your core, breaking a few rules along the way, and putting yourself out there when you are not quite sure where it’s all heading. It may not be power of the superhuman, leaping over tall buildings variety, but it is a power that will propel you forward in business and in life.

Channel your own career superpowers with these seven principles:

1. Ditch the “Good Girl Complex” and Go For it!

Sarah Gavin, Sr. Director of Integrated Marketing, Expedia:

“Your career. It’s a self-worth journey. You can put your hand up and ask for the job you want. Get rid of the ‘good girl complex.’ Or, at least be 90% a good girl and 10% a relentless bitch. That 10% gets a lot done.”

Sharelle Klause, CEO, Dry Soda Company:

“I knew I wanted to be a CEO. I knew I wanted to be a mom and run a company. Don’t waste so much time worrying about mistakes you’ve made; If you truly believe it, if you see it, go do it; I did kind’ve get it all.”

2. Enable Serendipity in Your Life

Jane Park, CEO of Julep:

“Every step was a little serendipitous, but if you know what you are about, if you follow your true north, you’ll find a way to express that somehow.”

3. Lead Like A Woman

“Most of the time we (women) don’t think we have the answer every time. As women we want to hear the opinions around us. We are less hierarchical, more collaborative.”

Sarah Gavin, Sr. Director of Integrated Marketing, Expedia:

“The wisdom gained from mothering, sister-ing, and female friendships help us make great decisions.”

Jane Park, CEO and Founder of Julep:

“We are not as beholden to the rules. There are not always role models and specific maps for us to follow. We are able to make up the rules as we go.”

Ann Fressard, VP of Global Tea Category, Starbucks:

“We are able to balance pragmatism with empathy.”

Sharelle Klause and Jane Park share a moment.

4. Live 24 Hours At A Time

Melody Biringer, Founder of Crave:

“You have to live 24 hrs at a time. You don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. There is no safety net. Yet, somehow I don’t freak out about it.”

5. Be a Different Kind of “Ballsy”

Jane Park, CEO of Julep:

“Starting a business is really, really hard. It is not for the faint of heart. The whole process is to truly and really embrace failure. I have more balls shattered on the floor, but more balls in the air. You are making a million decisions a day and some of them will be wrong. Don’t beat yourself up.”

6. Think Big

Sharelle Klause, CEO of Dry Soda Company:

“I’ve always wanted to create my own thing and be in charge of my own destiny. I learned that lesson at 11 when I started a company with my dad selling wreaths.

Thinking big is alot of fun. I created Dry’s first flavors in my home. Now, Dry Soda is the fastest growing soda company in the country. Even in the dark moments, you are in charge and its exhilarating and energizing, especially the constant capacity to grow and learn. You get to build your own team and work with brilliant people. That is amazing.”

7. Be Vulnerable, But Not Anxious

Jane Park, CEO of Julep:

“Community requires vulnerability. It is hard to put your ideas out there. You must be willing to fail. It’s the price you have to pay for real community. There are amazing rewards though if you do it.”

Ann Fressard, VP of Global Tea Category, Starbucks:

“I’ve always been ambitious. I’ve tried to do the best I can. I’m surprised I’ve landed here and for so long, that I couldn’t have predicted. Relax and don’t be so anxious and live in the now.”

Whether you use just one of these tips or find ways to incorporate all seven of them into your business and career, power is at your fingertips just waiting to unleash your inner Wonder Woman.

About the Author:

Leigh Ann Smith is a writer and entrepreneur living in Seattle. Her favorite superpowers are intuition and curiosity. You can connect with her at @Leigh_Ann_Smith.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.